I am picking up a 55 gal tank today. And have always wanted a gulper catfish. Anyone have any experience with them? I have read one write up on them that was on here. And some info on the internet but I would like to pick a couple peoples brain about them that have experience with them.
anyone have experience with gulpers?
- Thread starter oscar111213
- Start date
Giving you a bump but also wanted to ask: have you searched this forum and read the plethora of threads on gulpers here? I've never kept them but read about them plenty.
If you ask specific questions, you might get a better response.
If you ask specific questions, you might get a better response.
Gulpers need a species only tank.
There will be enough info on the forum to cover all aspects of gulper care
There will be enough info on the forum to cover all aspects of gulper care
One of the biggest problems with gulpers appears to be that they fall ill and die often early on or after some months, maybe a year. I don't recall a single report of anyone keeping them for a long time, for at least 5-10 years.
But this could be because people start threads and ask questions only when there is a problem - these threads abound. Some report problems immediately, which I think have to do with water - gulpers are not very adaptable, they come from soft, low TDS, acidic, black water.
Others report problems within the first year, which I think may have to do also with the water (not as drastically different from their preferred water) but also perhaps with the diet.
All in all, it would appear gulpers are problematic, sensitive, not a starter fish.
But this could be because people start threads and ask questions only when there is a problem - these threads abound. Some report problems immediately, which I think have to do with water - gulpers are not very adaptable, they come from soft, low TDS, acidic, black water.
Others report problems within the first year, which I think may have to do also with the water (not as drastically different from their preferred water) but also perhaps with the diet.
All in all, it would appear gulpers are problematic, sensitive, not a starter fish.
I think it has more to do with people not understanding the species tank, dropping them in a community and they end up sold or neglected after they eat enough prized fish.
My girlfriend has a group of 4 in a 40 breeder and absolutely loves them. Hand feeds them regularly. Have been doing well in our liquid rock water and haven't had to treat for anything yet.
I believe they stress easily and seem to get bacteria infections. Have kept a batch in the past and had decent luck with the one that survived the fish fry (heater stuck). Had for over a year then shipped to a friend. The shipping resulted in a bacteria infection which was successfully treated with Kanaplex I believe it was. Worked when I had them (had to treat right after they arrived to me), worked after sending to my buddy.
My girlfriend has a group of 4 in a 40 breeder and absolutely loves them. Hand feeds them regularly. Have been doing well in our liquid rock water and haven't had to treat for anything yet.
I believe they stress easily and seem to get bacteria infections. Have kept a batch in the past and had decent luck with the one that survived the fish fry (heater stuck). Had for over a year then shipped to a friend. The shipping resulted in a bacteria infection which was successfully treated with Kanaplex I believe it was. Worked when I had them (had to treat right after they arrived to me), worked after sending to my buddy.
Gulper cats are difficult to feed at times as they usually dont accept small foods but prefer live foods almost the same size as themselves. The store i work at now has a bunch and from what i see, when kept alone they are more timid come feeding time, but in a group they feed pretty well, may just be that they see one eat and are eager to get food before its gone.